396 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 28 April 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 38 191 after 27 new cases were reported, all are local cases. The highest case tally was recorded in Matabeleland North which had 32 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on the 27th of April 2021 went down to 39 hospitalised cases, 11 asymptomatic case, 20 mild to moderate cases, 7 severe cases and 1 case Intensive Care Units.
Active cases went down to 1 109. The total number of recoveries went up to 35 517, increasing by 37 recoveries. The recovery rate still stands at 93%. A total of 13 345 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 388 021. A total of 6 729 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 69 992. The death toll still stands at 1 565.
Critical emerging issue
1. Non-Adherence to mandatory mask wearing
We highlight complacency and the decline in adherence to the mandatory mask wearing, public health guidelines right across the country as reported by our membership through a snap survey undertaken. We are concerned regarding the laxity of mask wearing in the context of the full resumption of economic activities in the informal sector whose workspaces are characterised by high levels of congestion and density of persons engaged in economic activities.
We are concerned by the weaknesses in supportive measures of sanitation and social distancing and the correlating implications on infection control.
- We continue to remind and stress to both, the public and policy makers that vaccination is not a substitute for infection control.
- We reiterate calls on adherence to physical distancing, wearing of facemasks and regular temperature checks by businesses both formal and informal.
- We urge enforcement agents to strengthening efforts to ensure adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures whilst bully respecting the constitutional rights of citizens in the execution of their duties.
- We urge citizens to observe public health guidelines as they meet and interact in public places for social and economic activities.
- We continue to call for the strict implementation of public health safety protocols in the public transport system.
Outstanding issues
1. Challenges with Testing of COVID-19
We are concerned by the low levels of testing being conducted during a period where we are recording increased COVID-19 cases across several provinces. We continue to question the reach of community surveillance systems during reports of limited access to PCR tests and delays in deliveries of Antigen Tests.
- We urge Government to upscale community testing by ensuring mobile testing is undertaken in communities
- We call for prioritisation of testing and tracing whilst vaccination is on-going.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ)
